The NSW Government has today released a new net zero emissions policy for heavy road and rail freight.
Premier Chris Minns says the Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy focuses on reducing the carbon footprint created by heavy road vehicles and rail freight.
Freight accounts for 25% of total transport greenhouse gases in NSW, and with demand projected to rise by 34% by 2061 the time to act is now, the Premier said.
“This is an important step towards achieving net zero, while working constructively with industries.”
“Reducing freight emissions requires a genuine partnership between government and industry.
“We’re always going to need a freight sector to get the essentials from A to B, so we need to make sure our freight industry is sustainable over the long term,” he said.
The new policy will see the NSW Government work together with industry to support the transition to low and zero emission technologies, and to ensure our transport network is ready to adapt as technology and solutions evolve.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said the first step will see a two-year trial conducted to give extra mass zero emission heavy vehicles, which weigh more due to their batteries, access to the state road network. This means the industry can invest in the technology without sacrificing the payloads that underpin the freight business.
“The NSW Government recognises the unique challenges for regional, rural and remote freight operators in achieving net zero,” she said.
“By working directly with industry we will be able to support them in accessing this innovative technology and ensure regional operators can access the benefits of the transition.”
An online comparison tool has also been developed to support the transition, providing a free resource for the freight industry to source information on the cost and environmental benefits of low and zero emission vehicles.
